[Video / Open to Both Courts]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[The locket is resting in the palm of Vanyel's right hand as he sits under a tree. His legs are crossed and his eyes are closed.]

No matter how hard I push, the barrier remains intact. [His eyelids open, revealing silver irises.] I have used every spell in my arsenal to test our colorful prison, but to no effect.

[Sadly, he isn't surprised.]

Do hot springs exist? I know I could put them to good use.

[How can he feel so old when he's so young? Rising and shifting the locket so his face stays in view, he stretches carefully. Old wounds are a pain.]

I would not wholly mind some company should I visit them either. The Tayledras are completely without shame where their hot springs are concerned. I promise to not follow in their footsteps.

[Meaning he will wear something instead of being fully nude.]

Comments

[Action]

[wildgift]

That sounds utterly exhausting.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

More than exhausting. [He lifts his shirt a little, showing the long white scars running down the length of his body.]

[Action]

[wildgift]

[Stefen looks a little sad when he sees the scars, and brushes over them with his fingertips.]

Don't you ever get a rest?

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[Vanyel is also probably thinner than Stefen recalls, but he has definitely put on some muscle from living on the Borders.]

I was supposed to. [He is exhausted.] Something always intervenes.

[Action]

[wildgift]

[Stefen sighs and kisses him again.]

Please at least try not to kill yourself.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[His eyes widen and he flushes.]

They never came close. Most of the scars are from attacks I couldn't block. I was hit by lightning once.

But I'm here, Stef. I'm not seeking death.

[Not anymore.]

[Action]

[wildgift]

I'm not asking, I don't want to know.

[But he closes his eyes and smiles at the second part.]

Thank you. I know others need you, but I do too.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[The pain throbs through him and he brings their foreheads together.]

I need you. Gods, you don't know how much I need you. I don't let anyone support me aside from Yfandes.

[His eyes are haunted.]

None of my family - aside from Medren and maybe Meke - understand...me. They're either in awe of me or scared of me.

[Action]

[wildgift]

I'm right here. I'll always be here.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Then know that I will always come back to you. I'll claw through hell to see you.

[Action]

[wildgift]

I suppose I should stop worrying, then.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

You should. I want to be here with you.

[Action]

[wildgift]

Well it seems, so far, that you are.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[He breathes out through his nose and rests his head on Stefen's chest.]

Then I'm happy.

[Action]

[wildgift]

[Stefen holds him close and tightly, sighing, but amused when he speaks.]

One day we'll learn to have a conversation that doesn't end in needing to cheer each other up.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

[His laughter is tired. He stretches out, tipping his head back to kiss Stefen's neck.]

It will be one of our goals, hm?

[Action]

[wildgift]

I'l keep it in mind.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

I've been trapped in my mind for too long.

[Action]

[wildgift]

I hope I can help with that.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

You do; you are. [There's a fierceness to his words.]

[Action]

[wildgift]

Good. I think I deserve a reward for that.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

How will you be taking your reward? [He grins mischievously.]

[Action]

[wildgift]

However you see fit to give it to me.

[Action]

[vanyel_ashkevron]

Those are soft words coming from someone who speaks his mind.

[Action]

[wildgift]

Maybe I just want to see what you'll do.